Satomi Yamaguchi checks over the All Blacks-inspired sushi, while husband and chef Keizo flies a Kiwi balloon of support. Photo / Duncan Brown
Satomi Yamaguchi checks over the All Blacks-inspired sushi, while husband and chef Keizo flies a Kiwi balloon of support. Photo / Duncan Brown
Since arriving from Japan to live in Napier nine years ago, the Yamaguchi family have grown to love the national game.
"We love to watch the rugby," Satomi Yamaguchi said, adding that the arrival of the All Blacks in the city was "very exciting".
Exciting enough to make a slighttweak to the traditional dish of sushi.
"It is the All Black sushi," she said.
Her husband Keizo, who is a specialised master sushi chef, got to work and using a base of dark seaweed put together a dish which, when turned over, is "all black".
Laced with salmon and tuna on top it is unique in that it is not rolled and features a special mix of ingredients.
"It is a different style of sushi in that it is used for special events and celebrations - and we decided to celebrate the All Blacks visiting Hawke's Bay," Mrs Yamaguchi said.
The couple were approached by the Ahuriri Business Association a couple of weeks ago and asked if they would like to embrace a special All Blacks and Argentina week leading up to the test at McLean Park this Saturday. "We were happy to and wondered what we could do - and thought of a special sushi."
Along with a bowl of miso soup, it forms a dish the couple call "The Great Match" and Mrs Yamaguchi said the price also had a rugby touch.
At $15 it was the same number as the numbers of players in a rugby side.
The couple would be presenting the dish until Friday.
The Argentinian factor had also been embraced in the seafront suburb with Milk and Honey restaurant devising a special test build-up "Argentinian Menu" featuring dishes and drinks inspired by the South American country.
